VP Leni calls for organized LSI system after woman dies waiting for transport

Vice President Leni Robredo is urging the national government to organize its systems in assisting locally stranded individuals (LSIs) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robredo blamed the death of a stranded mother, Michelle Silvertino, on the government's disorganized efforts to help LSIs.

Silvertino, a 33-year-old single mother with four children, died in Pasay City while waiting for five days for a bus to take her back to her home province in Bicol.

The Vice President highlighted that Silvertino's death could have been prevented if there was a clear system for LSIs regarding transportation and destination.

Robredo called for better government communication, including announcements on where stranded individuals can go and what arrangements are being made for them.

She stressed the need for alternatives to prevent LSIs from taking chances and facing hardships like hunger while waiting for assistance.

Since March, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has been providing transportation and distributing meals to stranded Filipinos in Metro Manila.